Assessment of Serum Carnitine level in Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

2 Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Carnitine is acquired through the consumption of animal-derived foods, in addition to being endogenously synthesized within the body. It assumes a significant function in the energy metabolism of numerous tissues. Iron serves as a crucial co-factor in the process of carnitine synthesis. Nevertheless, the significance of iron deficiency in relation to its role as a potential cause of secondary carnitine deficiency remains inadequately established. It has been noted that individuals' carnitine levels differ based on factors such as their gender, food, and body type. The amount of carnitine in one's diet is inversely proportional to their plasma carnitine levels.
The Aim of the work: To assess the serum concentrations of carnitine in pediatric patients diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, in comparison to a control group of healthy children.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 48 children who attended the pediatric clinic of Bab El-Sharia University Hospital, the duration of this study was 6 months in the period from February 2022 to August 2022. Serum creatinine was collected from every patient at the time of the study.
Results: Our results showed that There was a significant difference between the two studied groups regarding dairy products, RBCs count, measurements of Hb, measurements of MCV, measurements of MCH, measurements of MCHC, measurements of serum iron, measurements of serum ferritin and serum carnitine level. A positive correlation between levels of serum carnitine and Hb levels.
Conclusion: It could be suggested that the observed low serum carnitine levels in these children may potentially be attributed to iron deficiency.

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